Necessity of Anatomy Education for Dental School Students Utilizing 3D and Virtual Reality Technologies: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Members of dental academia are eager to embrace innovative tools for anatomy education. The proliferation of technological resources has facilitated the integration of virtual systems into dental and medical education. This is considered paramount for communicating the anatomical knowledge essential for safe and competent medical practice. Among these tools, three-dimensional (3D) anatomy models, virtual reality (VR) simulations, and haptic technologies are pivotal for educating students and training healthcare professionals. This narrative review discusses these topics based on published outcomes from the past decade, emphasizing their potential in anatomical learning and clinical practice, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Substantial interest and positive impacts have been reported by educators and students regarding the utilization of 3D VR. 3D VR enables precise and high-resolution representations of organ structure, vascular formation, and nerve distribution. It enriches anatomical, clinical, and radiological learning and familiarizes individuals with the anatomical and radiological features of real patients. Furthermore, 3D VR ensures the continuity of anatomical and surgical training through online platforms, making the strategic deployment of these devices especially pertinent during quarantine. Therefore, dental education and clinical applications using 3D VR, augmented reality, and haptic technology are expected to become an unstoppable trend.